Sideways

Uncle Mike's joint in Oz.

They've acres and acres of land as far as the eye can see. They bought the place in the 70s and brought up the 3 boys here. It's known to the boys as Hursty.

Wine country! Reminds me of this classic.

Swimming pools, lakes, rivers, dams, trees, bush, lemon trees, peppercorns, sheep, deer, fish, vegetables, tennis courts, shot-guns, quadbikes, plants, herbs, figs, ship-containers full of newspapers and so much more I can't remember - they got a lot to keep you occupied.

We were lucky enough to have a guided tour of here and Healesville animal sanctuary from Sean. The boy knows his shit. How deadly certain snakes are and how they kill their prey. Platypus activity. "Koala bears aren't bears - they're Koalas." Kangaroos and their offspring. Lizard's disguise. Trees that grow so big cos they're trying to outgrow their neighbour in the battle for sunlight.

The three boys grew up as country boys but country boys with huge brains. Like the Kennedys mixed with the Waltons in their big house on the prairie.

The threat of bush fire looms large. The fire brigade (volunteer force in some cases) assess your house. If you aren't making enough effort to prevent the spread of bush fire (cleaning away dry leaves from drains etc) you score less in the grading. If the fire should come you will be further down the rescue list than someone who makes the effort.

Fair dinkum.